Edison State expands Theatre Department on Charlotte campus
Jun 8, 2010
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – For Edison State College Charlotte Campus the question of ‘To be, or not to be’ has been answered, as its Theatre Department will expand this fall in conjunction with the ARTS Edison initiative.
The Charlotte Campus has always been a welcome home for theatre enthusiasts with its annual fall play, spring musical and active theatre fraternity (Delta Psi Omega). Credit courses, however, have been limited with only Theatre History and Performance and Production offered in the spring. But beginning with the fall semester Edison State will offer Introduction to Theatre, Acting I and Fundamentals of Theatre Practice I.
“This is the first step in our growth to provide a comprehensive theatre program at the Charlotte Campus,” said Tom Rath, Charlotte Campus Dean of Academic Affairs. “Our primary focus is our students and creating pathways for their education. The arts are an important aspect of that process, so expanding academic offerings in theatre is part of our commitment.”
Edison State pledged to become the epicenter for arts and cultural offerings within Southwest Florida with its recent ARTS Edison initiative. For more information, including a district-wide calendar of events, visit www.edison.edu/artsedison.
This fall also will mark the first time the Charlotte Campus Theatre Department has received funding. All cost for previous productions, talent shows and DPO activities were done through fundraising efforts.
Now those DPO funds can go toward national conventions, theatre workshops and various other student development activities.
“It’s an exciting time for theatre at Edison State right now,” Charlotte Campus Director of Theatre Sherie Ragan said. “Faculty, staff and students alike have a true passion and commitment to the arts here and that makes for a wonderful creative environment.”
Ragan, who also teaches theatre at Edison Collegiate High School Charlotte Campus, joined Edison State last fall and directed ‘Noises Off’ in the fall and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ in the spring.
Incoming DPO president Joseph White II performed in both productions, including the lead role of Pseudolus in ‘A Funny Thing.’
“I’m in two of (the new classes) … I’ve got 17 credits, so I can’t take any more,” White said. “Honestly, this is the start of the revamping of the Theatre Department. We’ve got a good group of (DPO) officers and a good group of actors.”
Thanks to the funding White said DPO is already looking into attending the annual Florida Theatre Conference.
Last Updated: June 8, 2010
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